Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Mark Olson gained his knowledge of maritime song and lore after he came aboard the Pacific Northwest’s fleet of tall ships “through the hawsehole”. Beginning as a deckhand and slowly rising through the ranks, Mark retired in 2005 as the Northwest Regional Port Captain and now remains in an advisory capacity to the Grays Harbor fleet. His greatest love while voyaging aboard the West Coast’s many sail training vessels was teaching both the craft and history of traditional sail. Mark’s diverse experience allowed him the pleasure of working alongside some of the world’s foremost shantymen and women.

Though a rather cold and blustery night, what a great turn out and wonderful evening of singing shanties with Wayne Palsson leading our "Junuary" Song Circle! Among the 50 folks who attended our June gathering, a group from the Port Townsend Yacht Club joined us. We hope they will be regulars at our monthly gatherings!

Jim Amis and Bob Evans of the Shifty Sailors are regulars at our monthly sing-alongs. Bob explains the phrase "shin bone al" in the shanty Bully in the Alley.

Wayne Palsson led the Song Circle, encouraging folks to lead, request or pass to the next shanty enthusiast... until everyone had an opportunity to participate, including the gentle man with the banjo below who led us in song with a chorus about Harry Truman who lived and died on Mount St. Helens.

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Sing Shanties Song Circle is a free, family-friendly community gathering that meets to revive and keep alive the maritime tradition of singin' sea shanties and songs about the sea. We meet the second Wednesday of each month. Check out our Song Circle Calendar for dates and locations.